A statement made by Mr. Orlando B. Vea Smart Communications' Chief Wireless Advisor, earlier today, pretty much confirms that the company will be an official carrier of the recently announced 4G-LTE-enabled New iPad in the Philippines.

"This is an important milestone not only for Apple but also for the entire industry. We believe that the launch of the new iPad with LTE connectivity will accelerate the introduction of more LTE devices and services, a field in which Smart has taken the lead in the country," Mr. Vea shared via Smart's official website.

"Anticipating this development, Smart has taken the lead in rolling out its superfast LTE network, the true 4G network, in various points of the country such as Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Boracay, Camarines Sur and Baguio. In addition, we have also deployed the largest HSPA+ network in the country with over 1,500 sites nationwide. The New iPad also uses HSPA+," he added.

But the last portion of this statement is most telling: "There's a ready market for the New iPad in the Philippines and Smart is the only wireless services provider in the country with a working LTE network."

So I guess, TechPinas' Smart iPad 3 prediction last January could very well turn out accurate -- albeit bundles will go by a different name, obviously.

But just how good is Smart LTE?

Last June 2011, me and my younger brother, sports-blogger BallersPinas, got the chance to experience Smart LTE's blazing speeds in an exclusive media preview in Boracay. If you remember, I got an unbelievable 53mbps download speed while watching Youtube videos in full HD! Now, if Smart can promise to bring that to the New iPad while keeping the plans pocket-friendly, it should be all good.